Tamaki Drive Design Proposal

In 1998 Bruce Wild proposed to develop the Tamaki Drive shoreline. His proposal encouraged pedestrian access to the shoreline, recreating a forgotten beach below Tamaki Drive.

 

 

The proposal shown in the sketch above, 1998.

 

Proposed Site

Takaparawha Point sits between Okahu and Mission Bays. Tamaki Drive hugs Takaparawha Point. It acts as a thoroughfare between eastern suburbs like St Heliers and Auckland City. The road follows the shoreline; its sea walls cut people off from the ocean below.

Tamaki Drive sea wall, 1998. The footpath adjacent to the road is shared with a range of recreational activities. This results in each group sharing a narrow space, which can become congested and unsafe on a busy day.

Aerial view (Auckland Council Geomaps) of the proposed site, 1996.

The photo above illustrates Tamaki Drive with bush-clad cliff adjacent. The hill above Tamaki Drive houses the Michael Savage Memorial and Ngati Whatua Marae.

Photographs above from 1900, showing the shoreline before it was covered by Tamaki Drive. The 1900 shoreline shows an existing beach where locals could camp and picnic. This bay provided local Maori with a source of food.

 

Proposal

Bruce proposed to recreate the 1900 beach and shoreline. He proposed to extend the shoreline, creating a destination for recreation – rather than a thoroughfare.

Three pavilions were to line Tamaki Drive, with steps to the sea. The pavilions act as gathering spaces for pedestrians where they can sit and enjoy the ocean views. The proposal had the potential to become a tourist attraction, as this stretch of road is frequented by tourist buses for Kelly Tarltons and Michael Savage Memorial.

The proposed development allowed more separation between pedestrians and cyclist. Pedestrians could stroll to the shoreline, while cyclists would be free to use the footpath.

Sketch of proposed pavilions and beach. Ramps and steps provided access to the proposed beach and grand steps.

 

Tamaki Drive Today

The proposed development would have improved the amenity of the area. Sadly, this project did not go ahead and the area remains relatively as it was almost 30 years ago.